2019 Volvo XC40

What you should know

Type: Four-door, all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle. Engine (h.p.): 2.0-liter DOHC I-4, turbocharged (248). Transmission: Eight-speed automatic.

Market position: The XC40 is late when compared to the rest of the small-utility class — which means its behind in sales — however the company has had ample time to benchmark the competition and create a slick little machine.

Points: Sharp, tidy design, but not the most attractive in the category First☛ rate interior appointments, especially the seats Wide doors and tall roofline are ☛ a boon for passenger comfort and cargo capacity Standard turbo engine is ☛ stout enough to get the job done Not ☛ ready to buy? Volvo will rent you one for $600/month, including insurance.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); emergency braking (std.); lane-departure intervention (std.); pedestrian/large animal detection/ intervention (std.).

MPG (city/hwy): n.a. Base price (incl. destination): $36,200.